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Lord Dudley holds on to reward favourite backers

Lord Dudley and Declan McDonoghLord Dudley and Declan McDonogh
© Photo Healy Racing

Lord Dudley confirmed the promise of his previous third at Naas back in March when opening his account in the Boyle Handicap at Roscommon.

The 9/2 favourite was prominent throughout under Declan McDonogh before just holding on in the closing stages.

The Kieran Cotter-trained gelding and Breagagh set a blistering pace up front and the pair were well clear of the remainder entering the straight.

Breagagh dropped away in the final furlong to eventually finish sixth but Lord Dudley kept on under pressure to score by a fast diminishing half a length. Cisco Disco came from an unpromising position two furlongs out to take the runner-up spot, with first reserve New Hill a further three quarters of a length away in third.

Cotter said, “We’re delighted with that and he’s progressed from his last run. He’s very headstrong and I was a bit worried when he got taken on and they pulled six or eight lengths clear.

“He just held on and Declan thinks we should go back to six furlongs with him. Hopefully he can win another one or two.

“Roscommon is not the place that you want to be stopping but in fairness he hung on. He’s a child’s horse at home but once you put a saddle on him he wants to go.

“He didn’t turn great around here and a straight six might suit him.

“I’m glad for the Kildare Racing Club as they supported me a good few years ago.”

1st
9/2Fav
Tote €5.70 €1.60
2nd
0.5L
13/2
€2.70
3rd
0.75L
11/2
€2.50
4th
1L
5/1
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.